Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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153. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he has had further dialogue with his colleagues across Europe, with particular reference to achieving targets on emissions. [55616/22]

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Climate change, is a trans-boundary challenge, that can only be addressed through committed ambition and effective multilateral cooperation at an international level. On the international stage, the European Union (EU), with the support of its Member States, plays a leadership role on climate matters and has shown great unity during the current energy crisis.Member States have highlighted that global ambition must increase substantially to keep the 1.5°C objective in line with the Paris Agreement. As such, EU governments have already agreed to accelerate Europe’s decarbonisation and advance comprehensive and ambitious climate and energy policy, including committing to more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets – at least 55% by 2030 (relative to 1990 levels) and carbon neutrality no later than 2050. The EU Green Deal and associated Fit for 55 package of proposals represent key tools in this effort. Ireland fully supports the increased ambition under the Fit for 55 Package and has been working with the Commission, Council Presidency and Member States to progress the adoption of the Package in a way that seeks to balance cost-effectiveness, fairness and solidarity across Member States.Ireland continues to proactively engage in the ongoing negotiations. I recently held bilateral engagements with EU colleagues at COP27 and officials in my Department have also been engaging with Member States through EU Working Groups in order to ensure that we collectively realise the climate ambition that these proposals represent.Ireland favours a quick adoption of the Fit for 55 Package. We are pleased with the good progress to date and are supporting the ongoing trilogues to finalise these proposals.